I had assumed that since the Padres signed him as a free agent that it was a 1 year contract. Alderson’s comments make me believe that he still cannot become a free agent again until he is waived or he accrues enough major league service time. I would assume then that the same applies to EGon. The only difference being that with 4 years of service Gerut is arbitration eligible.

This changes my thoughts about the 2009 season dramatically. I’ve argued extensively with people because of my poor assumption that they are both free agents next year (although I’m sure at some point I said that I wasn’t 100% positive about their status). Now, it appears we can go into the season with the Gey Shrek platoon in center and EGon as either the starting 2B or a competent backup. You still have AGon, Kouz, and Headley with pretty much guaranteed spots. I would argue that keeping Greene and Giles makes sense, and it’s unlikely that you easily upgrade catcher so a Bard/Hundley platoon is likely. So that basically means all free agent dollars (an estimated $20-30 million are free for just pitching. Interesting.

They can’t keep going with a platoon because it’ll hinder the development of Hundley. Personally I think he’s going to inherit the job, and they’ll have to figure out what to do with Bardo. Carlin is nice but he can’t hit his way out of a wet paper bag. That kid has career backup written all over him. Maybe he can be manager at Ft. Wayne or Elsinore in 10-15 years.